Beekeeping Honey Extraction Yield Calculator
Created by: Emma Collins
Last updated:
Estimate your honey harvest yield based on frames, extraction method, and comb fullness. Plan bottling supplies and calculate the value of your honey crop.
What is a Beekeeping Honey Extraction Yield Calculator?
A Honey Extraction Calculator helps beekeepers estimate how much honey they'll harvest from their frames. By accounting for frame size, comb fullness, and extraction method efficiency, you can plan bottling supplies and predict your harvest yield.
Whether you're extracting from a few backyard hives or processing a larger harvest, this calculator helps you prepare the right number of jars and containers.
Understanding Honey Extraction Yield
Deep Frame (full): 6-7 lbs honey per frame
Medium Frame (full): 3-4 lbs honey per frame
Shallow Frame (full): 2-3 lbs honey per frame
Extraction Efficiency: Centrifugal 95-98%, Crush & Strain 85-90%
Frequently Asked Questions
How much honey can I extract from a full frame?
A full deep frame holds about 6-7 lbs of capped honey, medium frames hold 3-4 lbs, and shallow frames hold 2-3 lbs. Extraction efficiency typically recovers 95-98% of this honey with proper technique.
What is honey extraction efficiency?
Extraction efficiency is the percentage of honey successfully removed from comb. Manual extraction (crush and strain) yields 85-90%. Centrifugal extractors yield 95-98%. Some honey remains in cells and is lost as drips during handling.
Should I extract partially capped frames?
Only extract frames that are at least 80% capped. Uncapped honey has higher moisture content (over 18.6%) and may ferment. Shake the frame - if nectar drips out, it's not ready. Refractometer testing confirms moisture level.
How do I maximize extraction yield?
Warm honey to 90-95°F before extracting (easier flow). Uncap completely with a hot knife. Spin slowly at first, then increase speed. Flip frames and re-spin. Let frames drip in extractor for 10+ minutes after spinning.
What's the difference between crush-and-strain vs extractor?
Crush-and-strain destroys comb (bees must rebuild), yields 85-90% honey, but requires no equipment. Extractors preserve comb for reuse (bees refill faster), yield 95-98%, but cost $200-1000+ and require uncapping equipment.
Sources and References
- National Honey Board, "Honey Harvesting and Extraction Guide"
- University of Georgia Bee Lab, "Honey Processing Best Practices"
- American Bee Journal, "Extraction Efficiency Studies"